Liam in Central Park

A couple of weekends ago, Keith had a day trip planned with some friends, so I headed into the city by myself with Liam and we spent a glorious morning wandering around Central Park enjoying the amazing fall weather and foliage.

It really was breathtakingly beautiful, and Liam and I had a blast hanging out, exploring, playing with leaves, finding rocks to sit on, and finally, running around Sheep's Meadow. I love Sheep's Meadow. Keith and I used to go there all the time and while I know the park is huge with so much to explore, I somehow never feel like a trip to Central Park is complete if it doesn't end up at Sheep's Meadow.

I love these long meandering mornings outdoors that are sadly getting to be fewer and farther in between. It's always extra special when I take my camera, not just as a photographer but as a mom. More as a mom actually. I always make sure I'm not so caught up behind the camera that I'm not present and interacting, but I think it's also good to give Liam some time to explore on his own - and that's the perfect time to get out the camera. The camera can really pull me into the moment so I notice and savor every minute of it.

What a great day!

nyc baby, child and family photographer & architect alethea cheng fitzpatrick is based in brooklyn. she specializes in baby photography as interior design & interior design for babies. view her portfolio of babies, children or families or send her an e-mail here!

Expectation and anticipation: Central Park maternity & family photo session

Pregnancy. It's an incredible time of expectation and anticipation, and a beautiful time to capture through photography.

I remember when I first called Iris to tell her I was pregnant. She left me a return message saying she was too! Zach was born just a week or two after Liam and now she and Jonathan are expecting a baby girl.

We met in Central Park last weekend and enjoyed a beautiful late afternoon amongst the trees near Sheep's Meadow. Iris is looking gorgeous and carrying really well. Zach was very patient while waiting for his turn in front of the camera!

Iris and Jonathan looked great together - this is one of my favorite photos of the two of them laughing together with Zach off camera.

And Zach of course was a total star.

Iris is an acupuncturist. Her company, Acupuncture Remedies, is located in midtown Manhattan. I'll be interviewing her for the blog next month but if you are considering acupuncture at all for any reason, I highly encourage you to give Iris a call. I'm no more fond of needles than the next person, but my treatments with her are the closest I've come to being able to switch off my brain and reach some sort of meditative state, and Iris will make you feel really comfortable about the whole process.

Iris, you have a beautiful family and I can't wait to meet your new addition! View the entire slideshow here.

nyc baby, child and family photographer & architect alethea cheng fitzpatrick is based in brooklyn. she specializes in baby photography as interior design & interior design for babies. view her portfolio of babies, children or families or send her an e-mail here!